SmartDriveMX2+ Faces Second Safety Recall

For the second time in less than two years, the companies behind the SmartDrive MX2+ have recalled a critical component of the popular power-assist device due to safety concerns. On Jan. 14, Permobil and Max Mobility announced a nationwide recall of the SpeedControl Dial used with the SmartDrive MX2+ after identifying a problem with the printed circuit board that controls the unit.

According to the recall, issues include failure of the SmartDrive to fully stop, even when the SpeedControl Dial is in the off position; unintended activation of the SmartDrive unit; unexpected loss of power; and failure to start.

In the recall announcement, Max Mobility/Permobil reported 646 complaints and at least three serious injuries. Affected SpeedControl Dial owners are eligible for a redesigned replacement unit at no cost.

The recall is especially concerning because Max Mobility/Permobil presented the SpeedControl Dial as one of the solutions to a previous safety issue that led to a separate recall only 19 months ago. New Mobility reported on problems with the software in the watches used to control the SmartDrive via Bluetooth. Multiple users complained that the SmartDrive failed to disengage or respond to the Bluetooth controls. In May 2023, Max Mobility/Permobil acknowledged the problem and recalled 6,196 units.

Max Mobility/Permobil suggested the SpeedControl Dial, which mounts on the wheelchair and doesn’t rely on Bluetooth, as a safer alternative. Max Mobility/Permobil also stopped selling the PushTracker watches, though it did continue to support Bluetooth control on iOS and Android watches.

Audra Watt, vice president of marketing for Permobil Americas, says the issue with the SpeedControl Dial was related to material in the circuit board. “That’s why there’s a lot of variability,” she says. “We’ve seen some people have not had an issue at all, and then some people had an issue almost immediately. It’s very wear-dependent.”

Max Mobility/Permobil stopped shipping the units in December. Watt says the company is confident it has fixed the issue and started shipping fixed models in mid-January. Watt was unable to provide an exact number of recalled units, but said “it’s at least several thousand.” She says anyone who received a SpeedControl Dial between August 17, 2023, and November 21, 2024, should replace it, even if it’s currently working.    

If you have purchased a SpeedControl Dial, you can request a replacement via an online portal (https://hub.permobil.com/smartdrive-scd-voluntary-field-action) or by phone by contacting the Max Mobility/Permobil technical support team at 800/736-0925 (M-F, 8 a.m. CT to 5 p.m. CT).